Do I need a pre-purchase inspection?

5 Reasons Pre-Purchase Inspections are crucial!

It seems like such a logical step on my end, I arrange these inspections almost every day, but to some, pre-purchase pest and building inspections are an unknown, something that had scarcely been thought of and certainly not something that comes as a welcome addition to the already large expense & time spent when purchasing a new home.

But consider this…

For a few hundred dollars you can potentially save yourself time, heartache and thousands of dollars in the long run!

Here are just 5 of the many reasons to include a pre-purchase pest and building inspection in your budget when looking around:

Get information on the history of the property, termites & the area:

Is the area known for termite activity, is there dense foliage in surrounding areas (forests, reserves), does the property have a history of termite attacks/nests/damage, has there been a previous termite treatment, if so, what type, how long does it last, and when is it due for another? Is there a baiting & monitoring system in place, if so, what type, does it need maintenance etc.

Know what is needed from here on in (cost & time wise):

How much will a termite treatment cost, how often should you do a termite inspection, what will the annual cost be for baiting & monitoring, what items around the house require urgent attention to reduce the risk of termite infestation? Are there leaking taps, pooled water areas, moisture behind bathroom walls that need to be repaired? Are there structural issues that need to be addressed before moving in?

Be prepared to negotiate:

Do you want to go ahead with the contract based on what has been identified? There could be a need for a termite treatment that can be costly, there could be structural damage that requires building work to be completed, there could be live termites in the house that need immediate attention. What costs can be passed on? What costs will you need to incur? Be prepared to make an informed decision and to negotiate with the current owners.

Get the tough stuff out of the way before you move in:

If you do need a termite treatment whether it be eradicating live termites or protecting the structure against a future termite attack, it’s best to get this out of the way before you move in. Time, access and visibility are all essential when treating for termites. The same goes for building work, you wouldn’t want to be moving in, if the house isn’t safe, finished or structurally sound. Remember to get your general pest control (cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, rodents) done at this stage too, it’s much more effective when the house is vacant/packed up.

Peace of mind:

Purchasing a new house is an exciting time but it can also be overwhelming with all of the legal, financial and administrative tasks involved. Getting a building and pest pre-purchase inspection will give you peace of mind – You will know what to expect when you move in, you will be prepared for costs that you may have to incur or tasks that may need to be completed. You can budget properly with the right information!

Remember, Conquer Termites are here to help you make the right call on your next home – call us on 3088 2100 or email info@conquertermites.com.au to book your pre-purchase inspection.